Timeline
16:44
Grab a chai and sit in the old colonial building at Aap ki Pasand. It is a short walk from the fort and a good way to settle in before the crowds arrive.
16:59
Walk through the Chandni Chowk area to Khari Baoli. This is the primary spice market in Old Delhi. It is a busy place, so keep an eye on your belongings while you look at the cardamom and other spices.
17:19
Enter the Red Fort complex and find the Moti Masjid. This 17th-century mosque is not open for worship, but it offers a clear view. Position yourself so the sun sets directly behind the Red Fort walls. The alignment happens around 17:29 local time between 12 Nov and 22 Nov, and again from 20 Jan to 30 Jan.
17:59
After the light fades, wander back through Chandni Chowk. The twisting alleys and tiny shops are still lively. Look for Delhi-style snacks near the Fountain to use as an orientation point and to grab a bite.
Local tip
The alignment at Moti Masjid is specific to the dates listed. If you are visiting outside that window, the sun will not set directly behind the fort from this spot. The walk from the spice market to the mosque is short, but the area is crowded; watch for pickpockets.
Check before you go
- Check the exact sunset time for your date of visit. The alignment at Moti Masjid only works on specific dates (12 Nov–22 Nov and 20 Jan–30 Jan).
- Aap ki Pasand and the markets in Chandni Chowk are open in the evening, but verify opening hours as they can vary.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Delhi (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).